Meet Andrew King

Meet Andrew King, the author behind our latest title to be released in the UK, Engibear’s Dream, illustrated by Benjamin Johnston.  

Andrew is an engineer who really enjoys his family life, his work and dreaming. In his spare time Andrew likes to tinker in his workshop and play guitar. Andrew’s family are avid readers and have really helped him to appreciate the magic of books. We asked him 10 quick fire questions so you can get to know him a bit better. 

When did you decided you wanted to become an author, what prompted this? 

We shared a lot of stories as my children were growing up. My daughter suggested we write a book based on one of them, that was over a decade ago now. 

What was your favourite childhood book? 

When I was growing up all of the Winnie the Pooh books. 

If you could tell your younger self any advice, what would it be? 

Dream big and follow your dreams, it will be tough but persist.  

How did you come up with the idea of your book? 

I am an engineer and I wanted to tell my children about what I did. There were no books in the library to show them so we made up our own stories. Engibear came from a teddy bear working with equipment in our back yard sandpit. 

How has your background and location shaped your work? 

I hope that my being an engineer is obvious. Living in Australia meant that I wanted Engibear to live and work in a place that was “Australian”. Ben Johnston has done an amazing job of bringing Munnagong and surrounds to life.  

Are there any people who you think have helped or inspired you to improve as a writer? 

I am a member of Book Links QLD, a writing group in Brisbane. The members of this group have been very helpful and it has been wonderful to be involved in a community. The current president of Book Links, Jenny Stubbs, has been particularly encouraging and supportive.  

What is your writing process? 

As an engineer I like structure and process. I write ideas out by hand starting with a mindmap. 

I then move to a storyboard format and typically run through many drafts of the text. 

I write the text by hand, type it into a computer, print it and work on it again, and again and again… 

I work closely with Ben through the drafting process so that we are both happy with how the text and illustrations align. 

If you didn’t write, what would you do instead? 

I would love to be an illustrator but that will take a lot more time and effort. Currently I also enjoy teaching and some engineering. 

What’s been your favourite feedback? 

Children encouraged by the books and enjoying creating things at Engibears workshops.  

Finally, give us a fun fact about yourself that nobody knows! 

My dogs are called Sugar and Honey and my cats are Black Cat and White cat.